According to creator Lisa McGee, the hit TV series Derry Girls could live on through a museum in the city and several spin-off shows.
he first two episodes of the highly anticipated third and final season of the Channel 4 comedy premiered at a star-studded pre-screening in Derry on Thursday.
Writer Lisa was joined at the glitzy event at the Omniplex cinema by show business stars Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Ian McElhinney.
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Left to right, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland and Dylan Llewellyn
Speaking on the red carpet, Lisa said she would like a permanent exhibit or museum dedicated to the show and plans to create a spin-off involving Aunt Sarah and Ma Mary as private detectives.
She added: ‘What I want to do is a spin-off with My Mary and Aunt Sarah solving crime and setting up a detective agency in Derry. Wouldn’t that be amazing?
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“They’re so amazing on this show that the two sisters and I just thought it would be great to know what they’re doing in secret, so I have this theory that they’re running around town to run this detective agency .
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Tara Lynne O’Neill and Kathy Kiera Clarke as My Mary and Aunt Sarah
“Maybe the girls could have cameos too – they could be their spies on the town.”
Asked about the potential for a Derry Girls museum or exhibit similar to the existing facilities for Game of Thrones, she replied: “That would be wonderful. I would like that, yeah. Something that could be there forever would be amazing.
“I didn’t get anything from set as a souvenir – I didn’t get anything. We never had time and were too busy, even though Tara Lynne (O’Neill) gave me something from this season, but I can’t say what it is. It was given to her and she felt sorry for me, so she gave it to me.
Lisa was coy when asked about a potential Derry Girls movie, but confirmed she wanted to work with director Michael Lennox again in the future.
She also admitted to being nervous about the reception of the latest series of Derry Girls, which begins on Tuesday evening.
“Michael and I are feeling really nervous but happy and excited. We’re really nervous, but once this is over and the first episodes come out, I’ll feel a little better.
“I just want to see what the reaction is like because you can never tell how it’s going to go.
“Comedy doesn’t exist without an audience, it just doesn’t exist. We could have done something absolutely amazing, but people might not buy into it. You don’t know, but we’ll see.
“A movie is not on my radar right now, not right now. You never know, but I have other commitments, and so does Michael.
“I think what is certain is that we will hopefully work together again.”
Lisa also said the show helped change perceptions of her hometown around the world.
She explained: “I think what we’ve done is show another side of Derry that people maybe didn’t know about before.
“We are funny and generous. I just think it’s an amazing place and there’s only ever been this very tragic side of it shown before.
Friends, family, cast, crew and press all crammed into the Omniplex theater on Thursday to preview the first two episodes of series three.
Lisa’s fears about the show’s reception proved unfounded, as both episodes rocked the house with laughter and cheers.
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Sunday Life reporter John Toner with Saoirse-Monica Jackson
The series creator wasn’t the only one talking about potential new projects, with Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, who plays feisty Michelle Mallon, saying that due to the quality of the characters, there could be a ” million” fallout.
Jamie-Lee (30) said “I think Lisa has developed these characters to the point where you could do a million spin-offs, you could do a million prequels.
“I think Michelle would work at a bookmaker and end up owning a chain of them, like an absolute boss.
“She would work to the fullest. She would always be friends with the girls – they are best friends and they will be friends for life.
“There will be more shenanigans. These kind of people don’t go through life being normal without madness. »
Derry Girls has boosted the careers of the main cast, with Nicola Coughlan (35) gaining worldwide fame for her role in the hit Netflix costume drama Bridgerton.
Saoirse-Monica Jackson, meanwhile, is working on a new animated project involving Beatles legend Paul McCartney.
While keeping a low-key voice about the as-yet-unnamed project, she told the BBC: “I’m really excited about it – really enjoying it. We’re in the early stages.
“It’s an incredible children’s novel that has been adapted into a film.
“It’s beautiful and the experience so far has been amazing, so that’s awesome”
Saoirse-Monica (28) has also revealed her delight at her role in DC Films’ upcoming The Flash.
She said: “It’s amazing to be a part of this DC Universe. It’s really, really exciting.
– The first episode of the third season of Derry Girls is on Channel 4 this Tuesday at 9:15 p.m.
